Scale: L/S
Team composition: Architects, landscape architects and/or urbanists
Location: Lahti Sports Centre
Population: 120 000 inhabitants
Reference site: 495 ha
Project site: 35 ha
Site proposed by: City of Lahti
Actors involved: City of Lahti
Owner of the site: City of Lahti
Commission after competition: The intention of the City of Lahti is to commission the winner(s) to develop the winning project further at the level of detailed planning and / or landscape and construction design for the prompt measures for the major events in the coming years.
The competition is a design contest as specified in the Finnish Act of Public Procurement and Concession Contracts (1397/2016). 👉Procurement notice
Site visit: See the video recording of the site visit on the 11th of April 2025. In addition there are also 4 extra recordings showing different approach routes to the Project Site: (from the directions of Fellmanninpuisto Park / City Centre, Sibelius Hall / Harbour, Mytäjärvi Lake & Railways Station / Travel Centre. There’s also warm video greetings from the Mayor of Lahti to all competitors.
The Lahti Sports Centre is an internationally renowned heart of Nordic skiing games and winter events in Finland. Besides being a popular year-round destination for tourism, the diverse sports facilities make the site the most visited place for everyday recreation and exercise for Lahti residents.
The City of Lahti is seeking a visionary overall plan for the Sports Centre that boldly integrates diverse functional goals while respecting the unique landscape adjacent to the UNESCO Geopark and the area’s rich cultural heritage. The plan should create an inviting environment for everyday recreation while projecting an ambitious and world-class image for a venue that will be showcased on global television during major sporting events.
A key priority is also to develop implementation plans for immediate improvements, ensuring the area is ready to host the 2029 Nordic World Ski Championships.
The goal is to enhance the spatial quality of the site while fostering a dynamic blend of professional sporting events, leisure activities, and community engagement at the project site (yellow line).
The City of Lahti is looking for an overall plan for the Sports Centre that boldly combines different functional objectives while respecting the existing values of the environment. The plans should provide a pleasant environment for everyday activities and an ambitious image for a venue during major events.
The three ski jumping towers, built on a natural hillside, are a signature feature of Lahti. The Sports Centre plays a significant role in terms of the cityscape acting as the western boundary of the urban core and uniquely marking the end of the city’s main street axis. The area of the ski jumping towers and stadium is recognised as a nationally valuable heritage site.
The current towers and main grandstand date back to the 1970s, as well as the overall appearance of the area. The landing pit of the towers has been used for outdoor concerts and outdoor cinema nights held in the natural amphitheater formed by the slopes. Along with the Trade Fair and Sports Hall, the Ice Hockey Hall and the Ski Museum, the Sports Centre offers parking for 400 vehicles, which dominate the open spaces between the venues.
The Centre is located next to UNESCO Global Geopark, which is part of the Salpausselkä Ridge. Stretching over 600 km, the Ridge consists of rock and gravel deposited by glaciers 12,000 years ago, making it one of Finland’s most significant and best-known geological formations. In winter, lighted ski tracks cross the forest, and in summer, the area features mountain biking and hiking trails.
Note: The competition task focuses on the central areas of the _Project site_. To support the design process, the Complete Site Folder includes an ortho aerial image with preliminary markings for potentially replaceable buildings & location options for media areas and other info; Section drawings to complete (DWG); 3D models (DWG, SKP), etc.. These resources help competitors focus on what truly matters: developing and presenting their ideas – a strong concept is more important than flawless details.
